Transitions Program Information

Fast Facts

Program Info: Transitions...

... Emotional Support and Practical Assistance for Anyone Battling a Life-Limiting Illness

Mission Hospice is offering a new service to the residents of the San Mateo County community called Transitions.  This free community service is available to anyone with a life-limiting illness.  Transitions provides assistance during or after medical treatment for serious illnesses. 

Transitions utilizes specially trained volunteers who donate their time and offer supportive services to the Transitions client and family.  Examples of services that Transitions volunteers provide are:  friendship, help with errands, meal preparation, transportation and respite for family members.  An important part of the Transitions program is the friendship, assurance and support services that are so vital to the individuals facing issues relating to their illness, treatment and outcomes.

The Transitions Manager provides care management services to identify client and family needs and offers assistance to fulfill those needs with volunteers, referrals and links to community resources.  This increases the likelihood that Transitions clients will receive appropriate medical and non-medical services from their community providers.  Community medical and non-medical providers also benefit from the monitoring services that Transitions offers.  This unique program increases client communication with their caregivers and facilitates networking between providers to further enhance quality end-of-life care.

Transitions services are available at no charge.  Anyone with a life-limiting illness is eligible.  Services are provided to patients in their own home, nursing home or assisted living facility.  For information about Mission Hospice‘s Transitions program, please contact us.

Transitions…emotional support and practical assistance for patients and families coping with life-limiting illnesses, provided by the volunteers of Mission Hospice. Please call us. We care.

FAST FACTS

Fact: The challenges of a life-limiting illness can be overwhelming to you and your family. Adapting to these changes that accompany life-limiting illness can be difficult, frustrating and sometimes just plain confusing. It can be challenging to keep one's independence while also needing to depend on others. Transitions can help you adapt during this difficult time. Transitions is a special community service provided by Mission Hospice, a non-profit organization serving San Mateo County and the surrounding area since 1979.

What is Transitions? Transitions program provides emotional support and practical assistance to individuals and families who are coping with a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of one year or less. Transitions provides support--from listening to arranging childcare or transportation--for the special needs arising from serious illness.

Who does Transitions serve? Transitions is available for individuals who choose to pursue curative treatment or palliative, and for those who don't want, or don't qualify for hospice care. Your doctors approval is required.

What does it cost? There is no charge for services provided by Transitions. The program is funded by donations.

Why do we use volunteers? Transitions program recognizes that volunteerism as the cornerstone of its services to clients and families. A core group of volunteers are specially trained to assist the most effective and skillful manner possible. Support is here for you... Transitions provides support assistance. Transitions coordinator lends help providing: A listening ear, information about area services, help understanding confusing events, options and choices, monthly visits, phone check-in calls, a connection with a trained volunteer. The Transitions Volunteer may provide: companionship, emotional support, transportation, help doing errands, household help, and respite for caregivers.

Why might I contact Transitions? It can be confusing to know where to turn for help when coping with a serious illness and all the changes it brings. It is not unusual to feel hopeful one minute and discouraged the next. We realize that asking for help may be difficult for many people, so it may take some courage to do so. For example: "Since I am no longer able to drive, I am finding it hard to get out of the house. I really miss going to the grocery store." "Since I have been on this new medication, the days seem so long. I am feeling lonely, but I don't want to bother my daughter at work. I would very much like to talk with someone else." "Since my cancer has returned, I have been very tired. I don't have the energy to cook or clean, but it bothers me to see the dishes in the sink."

.READ MORE ABOUT TRANSTIONS IN "ASK THE DOCTOR."